Performing the Bris Milah

The father of the infant stands next to the mohel, the one who will perform the circumcision. The father picks up the surgical knife and hands it to the mohel, stating that he appoints the mohel as his deputy to perform the brit milah, the circumcision.1 The knife is extremely sharp, and double edged, in order to cause the least pain possible.2

The Sephardic custom is for the mohel to say, at this point in the ceremony, “bereshut moirei verabotai,” “with the permission of my teachers and the community.” The community responds, “l’chaim,” “to life.”3

The Blessings

The mohel recites the blessing, “Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning circumcision.”4

Then he begins the circumcision.

The father recites the blessing, "Baruch atah A-donay, Elo-heinu Melech Ha’Olam, asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu le-hach-ni-soh bivrito shel Avraham Avinu", “Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to enter him into5 the Covenant of Abraham our father.”6

The main reason is 'G-d said so' another reason is: 'it is less painful, there is less bleeding, and faster healing'. But G-d saying should be good enough. He knows best, so I'm sure He knew what He was doing.My He Bless every child and may every child grow up to bless HIM!Bless you all too!Rabbi Tom

as a physician, I would think it prudent for the Mohel to know whether a newborn boy suffers from a factor deficiency or clotting disorder. One comes to mind, factor XIII deficiency, which causes oozing of blood from the wound site; others, such as von Willebrand disease may cause severe bleeding at the wound site. If such a situation is evident, is the bris not performed?